Tunde Abdulrahman, Head Coach of Nigeria National League (NNL) side Kogi United has charged his side to be more clinical in the final stages of attacks so the club could actualize her dream of picking one of the playoffs tickets for the premier league.
Abdulrahman was reacting on Wednesday following United’s narrow 1-0 defeat against ABS FC in Ilorin in the rescheduled Matchday 12 NNL clash.
Kogi United created a number scoring chances against their hosts, notably in the first but fell short of initiative to bury them.
Coach Abdulrahman who was satisfied with his side’s overall performance despite the defeat noted that Kogi United will improve on their shortcomings ahead of their next game – another rescheduled- against Kaduna United in Lokoja on Saturday.
“I think we have to still work more on our attack, we are creating chances but our finishing is not up to what we wanted, I’m impressed with the way we set out to play, our build ups and defending were ok, the way we played as a unit was good as well.
“I noticed it could be psychological with what we are going through but with the assurance from the Governor that he will look into our matters as soon as we come back I believe that will help to boost the morale of the boys and get inspired to push to the end,” Abdulrahman said.
The former Kwara United’s boss was however livid at the officiating in Ilorin and felt Kogi United were hard done claiming the penalty call- which was converted by Kunle Olusegun to give ABS the victory- was a cheating to his as Shola Sheshere did not had contact with Udoiyang Golden while parring the ball.
Abdulrahman also said the assistant was wrong to flag Ibrahim Enesi offside in the second half when the in form Kogi United’s striker arrived from back to volley Daniel Frimpong’s cross past ABS’ keeper, Soliu Dogo.
“Well I will say we were being robbed of a point or points in this game, we scored a fantastic goal, they disallowed it and they didn’t allowed my players to play and with the cooked penalty he (center referee Okeowo Blessing) gave them (ABS FC) so I will say its disappointing we couldn’t get anything here not that we didn’t play well but due to some decisions by match officials, I will advise the league body to work more on that officiating, for us we will keep pushing and work very hard to win the remaining outstanding games to get close to our target'” he said.